Military Move-Out Repair Checklist for Kitsap Rentals
Before a PCS move out of a Kitsap rental, fix what the deposit can be charged for: holes beyond small nail holes, damaged doors and blinds, stained or scuffed walls, missing bulbs and batteries, and anything left behind. Washington landlords can't charge for normal wear and tear, so focus on damage. Take dated photos of every room when you're done.
Walls and paint
The most common deposit charge in a rental.
- Patch anchor and mounting holes. Small nail holes are usually normal wear; TV-mount holes are not.
- Wipe scuffs and marks. Spot-paint only if you have the exact paint, or it will show.
- Remove hooks, tape, stickers and adhesive strips without peeling the paint.
- Check behind furniture for dents and doorknob holes.
Doors, windows and blinds
Small parts that add up on a move-out invoice.
- Replace bent or broken blind slats, or the whole blind if it's cheap.
- Tighten loose door handles and hinges; make sure every door latches.
- Replace torn window screens.
- Return every key, fob and garage remote.
Kitchen and bath
Clean is expected; damage gets charged.
- Re-caulk around the tub or shower if it's moldy or peeling.
- Clean the oven, fridge, range hood and dishwasher filter.
- Replace burned-out bulbs and smoke-detector batteries.
- Report any slow leaks now, in writing, so they aren't blamed on you later.
Outside and the garage
Easy to forget in the last week before a move.
- Mow, rake and haul yard waste if the lease makes the yard yours.
- Empty the garage and any storage space completely.
- Book a dump run for anything that won't fit in the moving truck.
- Take dated photos of every room, closet and the yard once it's empty.
Common questions
What counts as normal wear and tear in Washington?
Wear from ordinary use over time: faded paint, light carpet wear, a few small nail holes. Damage, like large holes, broken blinds or stains, can be charged against the deposit.
Should I paint before I move out?
Only if you can match the exact color and sheen. Mismatched touch-up paint often gets charged as a full repaint.
Can someone do the repairs after I've already left?
Yes. Landlords and tenants on orders often leave a lockbox code and get photos of every fix by text.